Board Members

Bob Barney has lived in the Claremont Neighborhood since 1996 and has served as President for the last few years. Bob retired from P&G/Gillette where he worked for over 25 years in global supply chain operations and technology. Currently, Bob is an independent supply chain consultant for Duracell, a former Gillette business unit. Bob is also secretary for Parkland Management Advisory Council (PMAC) that supports the Southwest Corridor, member of the South End’s Working Group on Addiction, Recovery and Homelessness, active member of Speak for the Trees Boston, and CAC member of Back Bay Ventilation. Bob wants to ensure our historic part of the South End remains vibrant and diverse for both residents and businesses

Fabian D'Souza has served as the Treasurer of the Claremont Neighborhood Association since 2008. He moved to the neighborhood in May of 2004, after completing a renovation of his property on Wellington Street with the help of his friend, Jim Gronemus. Fabian is the Founder and President of Boston Strategic Partners, Inc. a dedicated health care and life sciences consultancy that provides services in strategy, health economics and outcomes research and medical communications to a broad selection of clients. In addition, consultants in the firm also provide regulatory and investment banking expertise.

Scott Lush has lived in the Claremont Neighborhood since 2005 with his family. He is a 3-time entrepreneur and web developer, currently owner of Lush Ventures and eCommerce advisor for startup ForceOfNatureClean.com. He is a cofounder of the Rotary Club of Downtown Boston where he lined up monthly speakers for 8 years. He is a leader in local Cub Scout Pack 74. His diverse work experience includes working for the United Nations General Assembly, leading market intelligence for a business unit of now Nokia-Alcatel-Lucent, creating consulting firm Patriot Ventures that spun out commercial technologies from defense contractors, and cofounder of ROASTe.com the largest online coffee retail marketplace. He earned an MBA from Georgetown University and a BA from Dartmouth College. Scott is a member of Boston’s oldest reform synagogue Temple Ohabei Shalom and active in the new Boston Chabad

Diane Coe has lived in the neighborhood with her husband, Larry, since 2015. They moved to the South End from the suburbs when they became empty nesters. Their youngest daughter lives in the Fenway section of Boston, their oldest daughter in Malden and their son is in Seattle but returns to Boston often. Diane recently retired, having spent 35 years in information security and risk management with The MITRE Corporation, Fidelity Investments and Concept Five Technologies. Diane is active in the community and looks forward to focusing more of her time on CNA activities that bring the community together and ensure the neighborhood continues to be a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

Ann Hershfang has lived in the South End for over 50 years with her husband Herb, raising 2 daughters who went to the local Bancroft elementary school. Now their eldest daughter Rachel lives upstairs with husband Wes Williams and two delightful granddaughters, Ellie and Claire, both at the local Hurley School. Most satisfying continuity. Locally, Ann helped defeat a 4-lane South End Bypass highway; designing the SW Corridor Park in its place; a citizen-created SE Traffic and Transit Plan in mid-1970s, adopted by the City, that narrowed Columbus Ave. by two lanes & widened its sidewalks, reversed cross streets to discourage thru commuter traffic, and much more; designing, maintaining, enjoying Titus Sparrow Park. Her career includes being on the Massport board, Masspike board, Undersecretary of Transportation in the Dukakis administration. In 1990, she co-founded WalkBoston, the nation’s first pedestrian advocacy organization, still marching along.

Arnesse Brown has over 30 years of experience in community relations, program management, planning, development and implementation. She is currently the Corporate Relations Manager for Tenants’ Development Corporation, a Property Management and Development company in the South End. Arnesse currently sits on the Boards of Youth Enrichment Services (YES), Board of Director for Peace in Focus and is the Vice President of Administration of the National Black MBA Association, Boston Chapter. Arnesse, who grew up in the South End, is very passionate about serving her community with a love for being a role model and a resource for the youth in underserved areas of Boston.

Valerie was born and raised in Paris, France. Valerie moved to the United States over 20 years ago with her husband and two sons. Valerie is a trustee in her building and member of the Speak for the Trees Boston organization. Valerie loves to travel, meet new people and enjoys the diversity the South End offers. Valerie also likes to garden in her community garden plot on the Southwest Corridor Park. Listening to music at the Titus Sparrow Park and the New England Conservatory are her favorite things to do despite being a terrible vocalist.

Katie is a Boston transplant who calls the South End home. She was initially drawn to the neighborhood for the location, architecture, and accessibility. After several years, she has gained more appreciation for the neighborhood for its history, fellow residents, and local businesses. She enjoys checking out the South End’s restaurants and being active in local organizations like CNA and the community garden.

Paul is a long time resident of the South End’s Columbus Avenue. Paul has interests in preservation of the South End’s historical character, gaining knowledge of city licensing and permitting processes that protect the integrity of the South End.

Valentin Guery moved into the neighborhood with his wife Valerie in 2014 when they became empty-nesters. Valentin has spent 30+ years in the high tech industry and is now in the venture capital business. An avid bicyclist, Valentin is happy to help with his wife to bring the community together and ensure the neighborhood continues to be a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

Originally from Cape Cod, Ashley moved to the South End in 2009 after graduating from the University for Miami. She has lived on Claremont Park with her partner, Garrett, since 2012. She attended Suffolk University Law School and worked in the House of Representatives upon graduation. Ashley is currently the Chief of Staff at the Massachusetts Port Authority.